Zambia celebrates 50 years of Independence

Following the hospitalisation of Zambia's President Michael Sata in London, Acting President Edgar Lungu officiated on Friday at a celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the country's independence at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Zambia won independence from the United Kingdom on October 24, 1964. On that day, Kenneth David Kaunda, the first Zambian President, hoisted a Zambian flag to mark the country's independence – a gesture that has been commemorated annually ever since by the country's successive leaders.

Dr. Kaunda’s arrival at the stadium cheered the crowd after a footage showed that the First Republican President was clad in the same attire he used to wear before and during independence.

Kaunda arrives to attend the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Zambian independence

Kaunda arrives to attend the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Zambian independence

Lungu, in a message read on behalf of Sata, noted that "We have a duty as a nation to uphold democracy through good governance, transparency and accountability, including upholding human rights.

"As we move beyond the Golden Jubilee, therefore, our primary task is the modernisation and transformation of the country, including generating wealth through sustained economic growth.

"As we celebrate this jubilee, let us remember that our freedom fighters, driven by patriotism, loyalty and love, put aside the instinct for self-preservation and risked their lives and those of their families to achieve the peace we enjoy. "Today, we celebrate this day in history when our forefathers emerged victorious 50 years ago. Their tireless and heroic sacrifices have made it possible for us to be here today," he added.

Kaunda, Nigeria's Vice President Namadi Sambo, Lungu, and former President Banda

Kaunda, Nigeria's Vice President Namadi Sambo, Lungu, and former President Banda

Representatives of 56 countries joined an estimated 60,000 people who converged on the stadium to attend the ceremony, while millions of Zambians followed proceedings from home via live radio and television broadcasts.